AIM: Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of death in America and the world. This study aims to determine the association between demographic factors and cardiovascular disease and explore differences in cardiovascular prevalence by BMI and race/ethnicity.

METHODS: This study uses the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to March 2020, including American adults 18 years and older. BMI categories were assessed with cardiovascular disease status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to understand this relationship, adjusting for potential confounders such as age group, gender, smoking, and physical activity.

RESULTS: Several demographic factors were associated with increased odds of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Physical activity had a protective relationship with the odds of CVD. Ethnicity and gender had significant differences in the odds of CVD.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that demographic factors such as gender, educational level, BMI categories, and age were associated with the odds of cardiovascular diseases. Public health strategies can empower individuals to make informed decisions that improve their cardiovascular health by addressing these factors.